Acts 12:5
It’s the little words in the Bible that often pack the biggest punch. In the midst of great drama and even trauma in a believer’s life, when a most inevitable ending is about to take place, this little word shows up and brings the episode to a grinding halt.
“But!”
I read Acts 12 this morning and tried to visualize how it all played out…
The wicked King Herod steps into the scene. Public polls have just come in that morning and it didn’t look good – he received a 100% failure from the Jews. It throws the King into a frenzied rage. The only antidote that he can think of is to kill someone – anyone. “It will make me feel better” he consoles. A trusted Aid points him in a direction that will help him kill two birds with one stone (pun intended). “Many Jews would be happy with you, Oh great King, if you put an end to some of those Christians.”
The King’s first victim is a disciple named James. The crowd loves it and so he presses further and has Peter arrested. He’s put in prison with four squads of four soldiers to guard him. “I’ll take care of him in the morning," Herod thinks to himself.
That’s where you have this little word – ”but”. This scene that has been running out of control screeches to a grinding halt. And Herod’s plans turned out NOT to be the inevitable.
“But” – the Church was praying (Acts 12:5).
Let me hasten to my point: What is it in your life that seems to be running out of control? All you can see is the worst possible ending. Do you need to see God walk in on your scene? How about placing that little word into your life’s story. BUT.
How can you do this? The believers in Acts 12 were fully committed to God and prayed with all faith and tenacity. The story could have read, “but God stepped into the scene.”
May that be your reality today.
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Acts 11:19-26
One of the annoying commercials that come across our TV screen features a Paper Towel Man that soaks up any spill in a moment. That’s all he does.
It may be a silly illustration for a powerful value that we find in today’s Bible character. The primary difference in our story is that the one that has soaked up is also pouring out. (Again, it may be silly but hopefully memorable.)
Today’s passage describes Barnabas as “a good man full of the Holy Spirit and faith” (Acts 11:24). It’s because of this spiritual quality that the Apostles in Jerusalem send him to Antioch. Why? Because the Spirit is being poured on on that city. They sent the Spill Expert.
Barnabas does not arrive on the scene to show them how “full” he is. “Look at me everyone. Let’s see if you can be as full as me.” Rather, he look at this situation and discerns an opportunity to pour his life into 1 man – you may have heard of him – Saul of Tarsus. Barnabas finds him and brings him back to Antioch. They work together for a year.
Barnabas created a turning point in Saul’s life and opened the door for Saul’s powerful future ministry that would become much greater than his own. He poured his life into Saul as they shared in the teaching ministry Antioch. You will never find Barnabas guarding his fullness.
My Point: I don’t think God is impressed with the person that is full of the Spirit and faith if all they do is show others how full they are. Our “fullness” needs to be poured out. There’s always someone that you can find to invest your life in as you share in the journey of following Christ fully. And then praise God as you see how God uses the one you mentored.
Who is that person in your life?
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Acts 9:36-43
Peter is in the town of Lydda working with many that have come to faith in Jesus Christ.
While in the urgency of that moment, a couple runners come to him. They are out of breath – they’ve just run hard for 1 1/2 hours – and urge Peter to come immediately. “Our friend has died!” Peter drops everything and starts off running with them. I’m not sure if he knew why he was running or if he had ever run 1 1/2 hours.
I have to think that by the time they get back to Joppa they’re running on pure adrenaline. There are people posted as lookouts for Peter’s arrival. I can hear the friends of Dorcas shouting back announcements that he’s coming. I doubt if they had cowbells like those cheering in the Olympics but I’m certain that hope and excitement was swelling.
Peter is sent upstairs to where the body of Dorcas is laid and Peter orders everyone out. He kneels and prays. As I read this, I wonder what he prayed and even why did he pray. He didn’t always pray when he healed someone, why now?
Here’s my thoughts. Up to this moment it was all about Peter. “Come on Peter, keep running. They need you.” “Peter’s coming everyone!” “We know you can heal her, Peter.”
Peter kneels before God – an act of humility. “Lord, it’s not about me. In fact, I’m nothing more than your servant. I’ve heard what everyone wants me to do, but what do you ask of me, Lord? I can do nothing without you. You are the resurrection and life, Lord.” Peter is quiet for a time. He ran to this place but is now kneeling low in worship and adoration.
There’s no fanfare as Peter stands to his feet. 3 simple words, “Tabitha, get up.”
My Point: Some times we go through our Christian life doing what others want us to do. Discerning the purposes of God for your life come clear to you only through time alone with God. Value that time in your life.
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featured | Gerry | 
March 1, 2010 7:37 pm | 
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